LUSITANIA

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9045, 17 May 1915, Page 5

LUSITANIA

ALIEN PROBLEM DISCUSSION IN HOUSE OF COMMONS

“GERMANS NOT HUMAN BEINGS."

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright “Times” and Sydney "Sun" Services. (Received May 15, 6.20 p.m.)

LONDON, May 13. During the debate on Mr Asquith a statement as to the internment of aliens, Mr Bonar Law, leader of the Opposition, welcomed the announcement. He said it was quite evident that the country was thoroughly aroused and liable to get out of hand. Nobody could be surprised, however much it might be deplored, knowing the outbreaks in the country and the whole instincts of the country. “However strongly we may feel, this ought to bo prevented. The nation is now realising chat this is not a war between armies, but between nations. Every individual, whether civilian or soldier, must throw his weight in the scale." He (Mr Bonar Law) persistently avoided taking any share of responsibility for the action, of the Government, over which he could have no possible control, but this question was so serious from the viewpoint of the national' credit that he took the liberty of discussing it with Mr Asquith; Ho agreed with the Government proposals and. could not suggest better. At a time like this there could be no neutrals in Britain. Everyone was for or against us. The claims of those naturalised should be dealt with justly on their merits. . Lord Robert Cecil declared that, after the recent outrages, it was not right to think that Germans were incapable of any crime, or to assume that they would act as ordinary human beings. , ' Sir R. A. Cooper (Unionist) stressed the necessity for speedy measures. There are dangers of London -being sot afire. “ I have reason to believe that there is an organised plot for that purpose.” Sir A. B. Markham (Liberal) accused the Government of interning a wretched waiter and allowing the high-placed German, . Baron Schroder, to continue in business. He assumed, that the Baron was left free because ho was rich.

, Mr Asquith denied that Baron Schroder was naturalised for financial reasons, but for the benefit, of credit in London. City. Sir A. B. Markham urged that German Privy Councillors be interned. Mr Asquith,' in replying, refused to regard naturalised Germans as spies and enemies. He was shocked to know that British workmen refused to associate with a naturalised German with three sons iix the British Army. He believed the workers would repudiate this stain on, their class. The great body of aliens in Britain were decent, honest, and respectable. The instigation of a vendetta against them would be, not only disgraceful from the moral viewpoint, but impolitic from the viewpoint of the best interests of the country. It was impossible to conceive anything more ill-advised dr discreditable than the' recent looting and plundering. That did,mot represent the spirit or the methods of a sane, sober, selfrespecting population in dealing with such a problem. THE GERMAN MENAGE ' WAVE OF ANGER SWEEPING OVER ENGLAND. ‘‘Times” and Sydney "Sun” Service®. LONDON, May 14. “The Times,” in a leader, says:— “There is evidence of a.widespread feeling against naturalisation, with no exemption. A tremendous wave of anger is sweeping over England. There is evidence that the public has been roused to a consciousness of the formidable character of the, German menace. This marked development of national temper will not soon be assuaged, and the Government will be wise to take heed, and turn in the right directions. This growth of burning anger is a grave warning to the Government and the Opposition that the public patience is not inexhaustible. . . . Mr Roosevelt counsels prompt action regarding tho drowned babies and women. This is an eloquent commentary on President Wilson’s theory that a policy of blood and iron can be met by a policy of milk and water.” ENEMY ALIENSJnInGLAND ORDERS ISSUED FOR THEIR ARREST. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright LONDON, May 14. Orders have been issued for the arrest of enemy aliens. Many artf volun tarily surrendering. REPRISALS THREATENED GERMANS PROFESS INDIGNATION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrigh I (Received May 16, 5 p.m.) . BERLIN, May 16. Public opinion professes to be indignant at tho internment of . Germans and Austrians in Britain. The newspapers threaten reprisals on all civilians and officers in Germany. Many of the public are surprised at the internment order, believing that all German civilians had been long ago interned as in Germany. SURRENDERS_AND ARRESTS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 16, 5 p.m.) LONDON, Hay 16. A memorial from one hundred and thirty-one naturalised members of tho Stock Exchange has been presented to the Lord Mayor,, declaring • their loyalty, and denouncing the German cities.The voluntary surrender of many aliens continues, and the police ars arresting hundreds of others, EAST END QUIETENING By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON, May 14. Five hundred young Germans have been sent to detention camps. The rounding-up of aliens is quietening the East End,, where the rioting is subsiding.